Ivania Martinez

Master of Public Informatics, Class of 2026

Fulbright Scholar, B.S. Economics and Business

We’re proud to highlight Ivania Martinez, a student in the Master of Public Informatics at Rutgers University (MPI) program, whose work combines economics, data science, and public policy to support data-driven decision-making and social impact.

Economics, Policy & Data

Ivania holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from El Salvador and worked for four years as an Economic Analyst at the Salvadoran Competition Agency, the national authority overseeing compliance with competition law. Motivated to deepen her skills in data analytics and policy analysis, she pursued graduate study after receiving the Foreign Fulbright Scholarship. The MPI program at Rutgers stood out for its strong focus on advanced data analysis combined with interdisciplinary policy and planning courses.

Academic Experience & Learning at Rutgers

During her time in the MPI program, Ivania gained hands-on experience applying tools such as data visualization, GIS, statistical modeling, and AI through project-based coursework. Courses including Theory and Practice of Public Informatics, Public Informatics Studio, and Global Data Analytics were particularly impactful. Beyond academics, she also served as President of the Public Informatics Student Group (PISG) for the 2025–2026 term, helping organize career panels, expert discussions, and networking opportunities for students interested in AI and data science.

Research & Hands-On Projects

Ivania collaborated with classmates on a behavioral health AI application designed to support postpartum care, which was later published in Springer’s Proceedings of International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Intelligent Systems (ICTIS) 2025. She has also contributed to research with MPI faculty on topics such as AI readiness, open data systems, and large language model exploration, while working on class projects analyzing urban health indicators, life expectancy, and regional disparities in substance use treatment access using statistical and spatial data methods.

Future Goals & Career Vision

After completing the MPI, Ivania hopes to continue working at the intersection of data analytics, research, and public policy, translating complex data insights into accessible information that helps policymakers and organizations address pressing social challenges.